Labour MP Jess Phillips launched a scathing attack on Nigel Farage during a heated Commons debate, after the Reform UK leader controversially referenced disgraced TV personality Jimmy Savile.
Phillips accused Farage of using a 'disgusting' tactic to avoid accountability, following his remarks during discussions about the Online Safety Act. The Birmingham Yardley MP condemned the comparison as a deliberate attempt to distract from serious issues.
Farage's Controversial Remarks
The clash occurred after Farage suggested during a radio interview that politicians supporting the Online Safety Act were comparable to figures like Savile, who used their positions to exploit vulnerable people.
Phillips, a long-time campaigner against abuse and harassment, responded forcefully in Parliament: 'To hear Jimmy Savile's name thrown around as some sort of gotcha moment is beyond reprehensible.'
Online Safety Act Debate
The heated exchange came during discussions about the government's Online Safety Act, which aims to regulate harmful content on digital platforms. Phillips argued that Farage's comments undermined serious debate about protecting vulnerable users.
'We're trying to create legislation that protects children and vulnerable adults from real harm online,' Phillips stated, 'and these kinds of inflammatory comparisons do nothing but damage that important work.'
Political Backlash
Shadow technology secretary Peter Kyle also criticised Farage's approach, calling it 'the lowest form of political debate.' The comments have reignited discussions about the tone of political discourse in the UK.
This incident marks the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the Online Safety Act, which has divided opinion across the political spectrum.
